Basketball:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor

Devon Lewis transferred from Maranatha to Pasadena High School after his sophomore year.

PHS just felt like home.

And it was more than just Devon who felt that way.

It was also a special place for his parents.

Eric and Lynn Lewis met in 1985 at PHS, when Eric was a member of the Bulldogs’ basketball program and Lynn was on the cheerleading squad.

Fast forward to 2018-19, and Devon Lewis didn’t get the quick start he had hoped for.

After sitting out a number of games to be eligible, he didn’t get much time as a junior, because the Bulldogs had a ton of established seniors.

That season, Lewis averaged just one point, one rebound and a steal per game.

PHS coach Tony Brooks said Devon upped his work ethic big time and committed himself fully to the game of basketball, and in the process, he became exactly the type of player his coaches and teammates knew he would be.

That gets us to 2019-20.

Devon Lewis and fellow senior Davian Brown led this program to a 13-1 mark in Pacific League play and earned a share of the league championship.

Lewis averaged 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal per game, and earned first-team all-Pacific League honors.

The Bulldogs also defeated Calabasas, 62-52, in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, before their season ended two games later at Bishop Montgomery.

Lewis became one of the league’s premier and clutch shooters.

After busting his butt to get this opportunity, Devon Lewis has earned the right to play basketball at the next level.

And his destination is Thousand Oaks, where he’ll compete for the Cal Lutheran men’s basketball program in 2020-21.

His coaches, teammates, friends and family couldn’t be more happy for this intelligent and respectful young man.

We asked Devon to recall some defining moments that made his senior year special.

“There were a lot,” he said. “I think we bonded over all the miles we ran together in the preseason to get ready for this year, but we also had a great time in Las Vegas and won three of the four games we played. I also remember having 20 points and eight rebounds at Muir and scoring 25 points in the MLK classic. But I really just loved being with the guys and we came together towards the end. I was very proud of the way we played in the first round of the playoffs too.”

Lewis said he owes everything to his parents for all the love, guidance and sacrifices they’ve made for him over his entire life.

He also credited his parents for preaching character and for giving him good morals.

He also said his father and grandfather, John Lewis, were never shy in giving him some tough love on rides home from games when he wasn’t at his best, but Lewis said it was all about making him better and he appreciates all they did in pushing him to reach his potential.

During this quarantine, Lewis spends a lot of time working with weights at his home and shooting in his backyard in what he laughed about as a make-shift basketball hoop, that includes bad netting and a ‘left-turn only’ sign as his backboard.

He also works diligently to keep up with his studies and will finish with a 3.5 GPA at Pasadena.

Lewis also became an uncle.

His brother, Kyle, who played at La Salle in 2013, has a son with the awesome name of Legend Lewis, and Devon loves looking after his little nephew.

Lewis also said the time and patience that coaches Tony Brooks, Darius Brown Sr., and Chris Rucker have given him over the years not only helped his game tremendously, but it’s something he’ll always be thankful for.

He also said to look out for PHS sophomore, Jordan Johnson, who Lewis said, “if he works hard and plays his cards right, Jordan is going to be a very special player.”

Lewis’ faith has also been a solid force in his life and, along with his parents influence, it drives him to be a respectful and giving young man, who has his priorities in order.

Lastly, he addressed Cal Lutheran’s basketball program, which went 4-21 last year.

“I just want to come in and work as hard as I can and do everything asked of me to help the coaches and players turn the program around as quickly as possible. I am looking forward to building new relationships and will give them everything I have.”

And during your upcoming journey, Devon, the city of Pasadena, your family and friends will all be rooting for you.

Quotable:

Pasadena basketball coach, Tony Brooks: “I’m really happy for Devon receiving this opportunity to continue playing ball at the college level. He worked incredibly hard to acclimate himself to the Bulldog way once he arrived at PHS. He accepted that there are no shortcuts and that playing basketball at a high level requires a complete lifestyle change. All of his life’s endeavors will require all of his effort and attention. Devon changed his work ethic and devoted his time to perfecting his skill set, which included improving his ball handling, increasing his foot speed and perfecting his ability to shoot the ball from distance.

During this time, Devon also had to learn how to compete, which is hand-in-hand with him perfecting his skills so he could compete in basketball against players and teams at the highest level. It wasn’t unusual for Devon to shoot for hours after practice, after games and any other time that he could get to a gym. He is a great example to our younger players what kind of commitment it takes in order to be a special player.

He epitomizes how a student-athlete should look and the amount of dedication it takes in their pursuit to be the best player they can be. Devon understands how to compete in the classroom as well as the court. He works very hard, which has now led to the opportunity to play at the college level. As with all of our seniors, Devon represents himself, his parents and Pasadena High School at the highest level. For that, we are so very proud of Devon and wish him continued success as he embarks on his college career.

Pasadena assistant coach, Darius Brown Senior: “Devon was a pleasure to coach. A definite spark and has a work ethic that will have him be successful at the next level.

Pasadena senior and Pacific League MVP, Davian Brown: “Devon was a guard who could always contribute to the offensive end, whether it be moving the ball or knocking down a shot when needed. He wasn’t just one of my teammates on the floor, but one of my closest friends. I knew I could always count on him to hit big time shots. We’ve played together since the sixth grade, so I know how capable he is and always knew he would hit shots when we needed them. Devon is a gym rat and will always be in the gym to get better and that’s something that will carry on him to the next level. He is ready for this moment.”

Devon Lewis Stats:

2020: 13 points a game, four rebounds, two assists and one steal per game.

2019: One point, one rebound and one steal per game

Pasadena’s Records w/Devon Lewis:

2019-20: 21-9, 13-1

2018-19: 22-7, 14-0